A Sophisticate's Primer of RelativityGeared toward readers already acquainted with special relativity, this book transcends the view of theory as a working tool to answer natural questions: What is a frame of reference? What is a "law of nature"? What is the role of the "observer"? Extensive, nonscientific treatment. 1983 edition. |
Contents
CHAPTER ONE The Lorentz Transformation Equations | 6 |
64 | 20 |
Nature of the Velocity of Light | 42 |
Simultaneity | 55 |
chapter three Two Frames of Reference | 80 |
Contraction of Length | 91 |
Retardation of Clocks | 98 |
Nature of a Clock | 104 |
CHAPTER FOUR General Structure of the Theory | 110 |
The Observer | 129 |
Velocity Here and Now | 137 |
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Common terms and phrases
analysis apply aspect beam of light bodies Bridgman causal clock transport coincidence concept connection conventional coordinate system corresponding definition demand determined direction distant events distant simultaneity Einstein electrodynamics experience fact force formulation frame of reference Galilean frame illustrations inertial interval intuitive involves isotropic law of nature light signals logical Lorentz equations Lorentz transformation Mach Principle mass material mathematics means mechanics ment method of setting method of spreading Michelson-Morley experiment motion moving clock moving frame moving system object one-clock one-way velocity operational optical pair particles particular phenomena physical content physicist Poincaré point of view possible principle principle of relativity quantum question radiation reference systems Reichenbach relative velocity relativity of simultaneity result searchlight self-measured velocity sense sets of instruments setting distant clocks single frame situation Sophisticate's Primer sort space special relativity theory special theory specified stationary system theory of relativity tion transported clock velocity of light